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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Friday night ushered in a slew of black bowties and long gowns as more than 100 guests enjoyed the 2nd Annual Gala for the Arts in support of Rocket for the Arts.

The night consisted of a Rent the Runway fashion show, and for the first time ever, two kids fashion shows outfitted by Sironna Swimwear and AJNEL designs. The sexy sounds of Savants of Soul filled the room as guests dined on a delicious spread catered by Celebrations Catering.

The night was complete with a silent auction benefitting Rocket for the Arts. Items included original art work, gift baskets provided by Macy’s and M.A.C, gift certificates, as well as a hotel stay in New York City for New York Fashion Week.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Thursday, April 12 was all about INsite, all about fashion and all about music. To sum it up, it was a night of our favorite things! It was the first night of runway shows for GFW 2012. After some mingling, everyone took their seats and the shows began.

Maghan McDowell of INsite Magazine was the emcee for the night. She looked absolutely stunning and effortlessly introduced the designers. The night's headliner and Project Runway season 9 contestant, Laura Kathleen, is a friend of Maghan's from their intern days in New York City. It was such a special evening for them, especially when Laura's designs hit the runway...but we'll get to that in a bit!

The first show of the night was The 10z Project, led by Albey Coronel. When The 1oz Project took center-stage, it was clear that color was of high importance. It was all about making a statement. Sometimes, literally. Check out our photos from The 1oz Project show and see for yourself!

Next was Levels Boutique, which Maghan hinted might have a store coming to Gainesville (our fingers are crossed)! We loved the trendy urban vibe from Levels Boutique. Color blocking was a major point for the show. We're so glad this is still on trend! We could see these pieces on any chic Gainesville girl on a fun night downtown, couldn't you? Check out the photos from the show!

Nothing made us want to "get a ring on it" like the Solutions Bridal show. The wedding gowns and even bridesmaids dress were drop dead gorgeous. Gone are the days of ugly bridesmaids dresses, these looks were absolutely chic and elegant. The models looked marriage-ready walking down the runway, I won't lie, I almost got emotional! Ladies, look at the Solutions Bridal photos and tell me you don't want to wear one of these gowns!!

Since the evening was a night of music as well as fashion, it's only fair to mention that DJ Klarc Shepard was spinning all night long for every show!!! He's played for us several times before, and we just love him! So much fun and such a talented guy! We also heard live music from Janna Pelle & the Half Steps, an awesome blues and pop band straight out of the Univeristy of Florida! Read more about their story on INsite Magazine's website!

Back to the fashion, Macy's was up next! As Maghan told us, they wanted to take us on vacation. We were so ready for that!! The beachy looks made us wish we had our toes in the sand sipping on [insert fruity drink of choice here]. We may be biased, but the guy's looks were pretty stellar. Can you say abs? Go see for yourself...brace yourself, though!

Francine Elizabeth was up next, and wait until you learn all about her...she debuted her line last year at GFW 2011, on her 18th birthday. She taught herself everything she knows and hand-makes everything. We can't to see more from her, especially after she attends SCAD, starting this Fall! Her looks were so edgy, yet completely wearable. Her color story looked fabulous on the models, look and prepare to be amazed...don't forget, it's HAND-MADE!

Last but definitely not least, was our headliner: Laura Kathleen! She is as wonderful and sweet in person as she is talented! We were just blown away by her designs. You can't help but feel empowered, fierce and on fire in one of her looks...and the models proved that. Take a look! Personally, I felt like I was back on the streets on Manhattan, there's was just an overall city-chic vibe that gave me chills!

Don't miss the Gala for the Arts tonight and the next set of runway shows. It's truly a stunning experience that you won't forget!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

The night we've all been planning for has arrived! Gainesville Fashion Week 2012 kicked off Wednesday night with a red carpet and an art show at Villa East. The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce also helped ring in the night with the official ribbon cutting while Florida Works joined in the festivities.

Over 40 national and local artists came out to showcase their art for the event, including several live artists.

Guests mixed and mingled amongst the art, got crazy in the Phobooth, and stayed merry all night long, thanks to Monster.

Special thanks to the soulful sounds of John Jordan and DJ Blaise James for spinning the night away. Also, KISS 105.3 was posted up outside all night playing music and hosting games for guests.

Thursday night opens with our first batch of runway shows at Villa East starting at 7 pm. There is still time to buy your tickets for tonight, as well as the other shows! See you on the runway!

Monday, April 9, 2012

The beginnings of the GFW DNA are rooted in a unifying spirit aiming to bring the community together through a common conviction for all things fashion.This vision emerged from a humble design studio in the heart of Gainesville. Albert Coronel, creative director at neutral7 design group, funneled his entrepreneurial spirit into producing the area’s first all-encompassing production.

Through the years creative connoisseurs have flocked to GFW for the wide variation of talent that falls under its hood. Fashion is a given, but since inception in 2008, GFW has incorporated music, art, philanthropy, special events and partnerships into its equation. The production’s second year held a fall and spring showcase, earning GFW recognition and esteem within the community. Turn the calculator on to break down the production and you’ll see a meager, but promising three designers in the first season. This year, 14 designers and boutiques are signed on to grace the runway at Villa East.

Different additives have been thrown into the equation since 2008. Local designers have been at the core, as GFW builds a following and establishes recognition alongside the artists it propagates. Starting in 2010, New York based designer, Miguel Blanco and a Columbian designer duo coined “Sironna Swimwear” joined the GFW mix. Audience expansion followed suit, with an increase from 600 attendees to 1,500 in 2010.

GFW also draws models and production staff from the rising talent pool in Gainesville. Shed the facad of colorful bubble graphics and numbers, and our workforce emerges. This is where GFW distinguishes itself among other fashion shows. An internal structure focuses around producers Albert Coronel and Tiffany Williams, with a team drawn from the rising talent at the University of Florida. A student co-producer, who works hand-in-hand with the oh-so-savvy business professionals, is joined by a team of specialized directors and interns to orchestrate the spring event. GFW has built up a team of 36 staff through the years, allowing more realms of event management to be added. Directorships focus on talent, sponsorships, promotion, event management, model coordination, media and design.

Pop your head into a Tuesday night team meeting and you’ll overhear teammate breakout sessions, infused with the spontaneous inside joke aside because – hey – only a GFW intern could understand. After a year’s buildup and the final reprieve come fashion week wrap-up, the team typically spends roughly equal time around town in celebratory mode and then they’re off focusing on new ventures or tackling next year’s showcase. It’s why they’ve set out for lofty futures globetrotting to London and Paris Fashion Weeks and working in various fields for Vogue, Urban Outfitters and prestigious firms in New York City and Miami. Co-producer, Kristi Desoiza is in the process of scouring Miami for jobs in advertising management.

“Being part of the GFW expansion during college has opened my eyes to what’s outside of textbooks and Weimer Hall,” DeSoiza said. “I think I speak for the whole team when I say we’re going to dominate our first jobs.”

Flavia Cervantes, once-model-director-turned-marketing-guru-for-Urban Outfitters, asserts that GFW played an instrumental role in framing her perspective on youth culture and trends, especially understanding what young, creative people want from fashion and the creative lifestyle concept.

Next in the quest for a balanced equation was substantial and recognizable branding. Neutral7 redefined each showcase through different lenses like 2010’s “Destination” and 2011’s “Celeb Gossip.” This year the staff members, many of which have defined their undergraduate years working for the production, are finding nostalgia appropriate. As they look back on GFW history, 2012’s theme of “Fashion Mathematics” allows them to breakdown the roadmap of GFW and see work concretized into growth through numbers. Thus far, the team is celebrating the addition of Project Runway designer Laura Kathleen to Thursday’s lineup and recognition by international fashion aggregate, Fashion Politique. After a year’s worth of planning, the team anticipates topping its own track record with expansions each season.

Curious as to how GFW breaks down by numbers for each season? Checkout the newest addition to the design portfolio - the infographic in the HOME Magazine's April Edition.

We hope to see you for what promises to be the most diverse showcase to date!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mikael Ennis, is one of this year’s directors for Gainesville Fashion Week's opening night art-show. An amazing yet very busy artist himself, we were lucky enough to snag him for a couple minutes to hear about what we can expect for this year's art show thats rumored to be GFW's best YET!! He's been scouting all over the world for new found pieces to wow the Gainesville community for Wednesday's grand opening of festivities! Check out his exclusive interview with GFW about his inspirations, his personal art-work and how he choose the artist that will be on displaying their work at this year's GFW 2012 art-show!

Q. Define your style of art? Is there a certain name, genre?

A. “I feel as though my art is always changing and to label it as a certain genre or style would be quite difficult.”

Q. How do you get inspired to do the art that you do?

A. Ennis told GFW that most of his art and creativity driven behind his work is influenced by music and different life occurrences.

“I believe a lot of things factor in that give me inspiration when doing my art. First and foremost my first true inspiration was graffiti,” he said. “Once I started I was immediately addicted.” “Second, I think my mood plays a huge variable in my art.”

Q. Who is your favorite artist & why?

A. “I get this question asked way too often. It’s such an easy question, yet so complex. My newest would have to be EL MAC. He's a photorealistic artist out of Mexico that does a bunch of collaborations with a west coast artist RETNA,” Ennis said. “Also an artist called KOFI. He's a drafter by trade and it definitely reflects in his calm and elegant pieces of art." “Lastly, another personal favorite is Françoise Nielly, I am extremely excited to see her work in person this summer while visiting Paris."

Q. As art director of GFW 2012, you’ve seen all of what’s going to be showcased? Can you give us a sneak peak of what we can expect?

A. “I hand picked a majority of the artist this year by taking many different avenues to reach them, he said." "I am beyond stoked to have the lineup that we have this year we have a bit of everything for everyone's liking.”

Q. What are you most excited for at this year’s art show?

A. Ennis told GFW that he is excited for everyone that is a part of this year’s art show but he gave us a heads up on whose work he suggest to look out for!

“ I have two guys from Sarasota that I'm sure will definitely turn heads, “ Ennis told GFW. “Karl Boardman and Keith Alvarado. “Their styles are complete opposite of each other, but I'm a huge fan of both of them.”

Q. What is your favorite piece of art of your own creation?

A. “ I would have to say my blue hand. I really enjoy the light blues within the piece.”

Sounds interesting, wanna know what he's talking about...you'll just have to come out to our event and see :)

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?

A. “I hope to still be creating art. Moreover, I would like to have accomplished my childhood dream of traveling to every country,” he said. “If I could tie the two together, that would be great.”

Be sure to check out Ennis’ work and all of the amazing contributing artist’s pieces that will be on display at this year’s Gainesville Fashion Week THIS Wednesday, for our GFW opening night art-show at Villa East!

‘Twas the week before Gainesville Fashion Week and all through Villa East.

Models were practicing poses and enjoying the Cafe C feast!

As much as I’d love to continue this little song and dance, I think it’s more important to get down to business...IT’S FASHION WEEK, PEOPLE!

As I mentioned before, this past Thursday was our dress rehearsal at Villa East! We finally got the models and team, including our fabulous volunteers, in the space.

After everyone got a tour of the venue, we real work began, as models ran through every single show. Midway through the runway practice, we all loaded up our plates with the most delicious food, catering by Celebrations Catering/Cafe C. It was amazing, and this is coming from someone who got in line late!

After we all finished our dinner it was back to work! Running through shows, and nailing down detail for this coming week, everything had to be set in stone.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all business and no fun! We all mingled and caught up on each other’s lives. Music was pumping, as per usual, and everyone busted a little move...even our models!

It’s true, there’s nothing like the energy and feel of a live show, but we sure came close on Thursday! It only makes us even more excited for this week’s shows!

Maghan McDowell of INsite Magazine was on location during dress rehearsal, and so were the double cover editions of INsite! We snagged the two models, Joe and Christen, in between runway walks for a quick picture with their covers! I don’t know about you, but I’m bringing both covers and getting them autographed!

Friday, April 6, 2012

What girl doesn't love to aimlessly browse the immaculately lit aisles of Sephora beauty stores? Maybe stop in for a mid-afternoon makeup session for no reason at all? And who can pass up their perfect rainbow of nail polish colors around every corner?

We are excited to announce Sephora as one of this year’s sponsors for Gainesville Fashion Week! With enough hair, nail and beauty products to last a lifetime, Sephora is a one-stop-shop when it comes to primping and prepping for daytime and night time makeup.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Super special thanks to Cox Communications for sponsoring Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! We're so grateful to have them as a part of our team.

Cox Communications is way more linked to fashion than you think, rest assured! If not for Cox and their bundling plan on internet, phone and TV how would we online shop while making phone calls about designers AND watch Project Runway? All at the same time, of course!

It's taking care of the little things like this that make Cox one our favorite businesses in town. They take care of installing the necessities so we can focus on planning the best fashion week Gainesville as ever seen.

You know it’s a party when KISS 105.3 is there! We're thrilled to have KISS 105.3, your Gator party station, as a sponsor for 2012 Gainesville Fashion Week!

Throughout the day KISS 105.3 provides the soundtrack to your life, playing the only top hit music. From a fashion perspective, we think it's IN to be tuned in to KISS 105.3 all day, everyday. This station isn't going out of style anytime soon!

From the KISS Morning Show keeping you posted on celebrity gossip and news to the rush hour jams that get you home on weekdays, there's no competition. It's clear KISS 105.3 is the best radio station in Gainesville!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Say hello to our new partners across the Atlantic, a new online aggregate of fashion shows and expositions across the globe. FashionPolitique, or 'f-politics' is based out of London and sets out to cover fashion paving the way in numerous cities through reporting and video coverage delivered via innovative digital platforms.

F-politics aims to be the creative, innovative and inspiring leader ofonline fashion journalism delivering high-quality fashion relatednews, comment and information that enables fashion designers to communicate and connect with fashion buyers and fashion retailers across the world.

You can catch GFW spotlighted in the news section among the likes of Paris, Montreal and Las Vegas Fashion Weeks.The GFW team is thrilled at this opportunity to gain international exposure for our designers and talent, all while partnering with achic new team.

Friday, March 30, 2012

As if you haven’t already heard, INsite magazine is teaming up with Gainesville Fashion Week for yet another season!

We've already told you guys about the cover model contest hosted by INsite magazine. Several models that were selected for GFW had the chance to compete to win a photoshoot that will appear on the cover of the April issue of the mag. And it’ll be out just in time for fashion week! Stay tuned for the official announcement of this year’s contest winners!

Check out last year's cover!

INsite is Gainesville’s premiere entertainment magazine that features stories on local restaurants, events, nightlife and of course fashion. They even feature celebrity and band interviews, star profiles and movie reviews.

Thursday April 12, INsite will be collaborating with Gainesville Fashion Week for a night of runway shows featuring designer clothes, great music and beautiful people. We hope to see you all there!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

First, we're so proud of our media sponsor giggle magazine, for their recently winning the district ADDY® Awards for Best Overall Magazine!

We couldn't be happier to have them on our team. Giggle is a family oriented publication right here in Alachua County. With so many families and children of all ages in the area, giggle magazines provides the best local news and tips for moms and dads. Just like Gainesville Fashion Week, giggle magazine is heavily connected with the community.

We believe that children are the artists, designers, musicians, graphic designers and fashion show producers of the future! Even if a career in art isn't a child's goal, the arts are important for education. You can check out Rocket for the Arts to learn more about that!

This year's partnership between HOME Magazine and Gainesville Fashion Week is a very exciting one.

HOME Magazine is the 2011 recipient of 2 Florida Magazine Association awards: the Charlie Award for General Excellence and Writing Excellence.

There mission is to be the leading lifestyle publication in North Central Florida, while giving back to those who consider the heart of Florida HOME. By providing relevant information to enhance our community’s well being, we value the opportunity to entertain, educate and inspire you– our neighbors.

HOME Magazine is distributed throughout Gainesville and Newberry, grab a copy a learn more about the community you live in. Check them out on Facebook,too!

Last night was our second to last model rehearsal. It feels like just yesterday we were preparing for the Casting Call, but here we are 2 weeks away from FASHION WEEK 2012!

As per usual, the rehearsal was held at Sharab Lounge, one of our favorite spots downtown.

Our DJ filled the air with music as the models practiced their walks for one of the last times. It’s imperative that by this time, we’re perfecting minor things in their walk and posing. The models came out in full-force and showed us they are runway ready!

Sharab was so great to host us for this rehearsal, among so many others. We’re grateful for their hospitality and participation in this year’s Gainesville Fashion Week!

After the rehearsal at Sharab, we headed across the street to ZUZU for our Mixer!

We’re all been working hard - the models, the team, the designer, the sponsors, the media, even our fans and friends! Last night we took some time out to just enjoy each other’s fabulous company.

The mixologists at ZUZU made that even easier for us by stirring up our new favorite drink, the Fashion Passion. It was a fruity little cocktail that had us sipping and socializing all night long! The entire evening was a great chance for everyone to meet and really get to know each other before these final weeks.

Among the models and team members we had designers and sponsors in our midst. The Macy's representative, Natalie had swag bags for the models with goodies and coupons. Director of Communications for HOME Magazine, Megan DeGance was there along with other media sponsors, HerCampus University of Florida president Allison Banko and event team member Ashley Edmonston. Designer Francine Elizabeth attended along with our friends from Solutions Bridal Designer House and of course Albey Coroney representing The 1oz Project.

Thank you again to Sharab and ZUZU for hosting our events last night! We couldn’t do Gainesville Fashion Week without you!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

All the way from Project Runway Season 9, Laura Kathleen Planck, will be making an appearance Thursday, April 12 for our INsite Magazine Music Fashion Night. As our headlining designer showcasing her line,Laura Kathleen, we got the chance to interview this amazing fashionista about we can expect to see from her line this fashion week, her experience with Project Runway and an insider on what she may be wearing this year at Gainesville Fashion Week 2012!

Q. We are so excited to have you with us for GFW 2012, Can you tell us a little about your experience with Project Runway?

A. Laura explained to GFW that the two-month interviewing process was a long nail-biting experience going back and forth with the producers of Lifetime. "When I finally got the call I was waiting for I had to drop everything in my life and go," she said. "But oh my gosh it was such an intimidating process." Laura explained that season nine was a bit different than the rest. Out of the 20 contestants first on the show four were cut without a single challenge. She explained the whole process of being on the show like being in summer camp. "It was an incredible experience and if I had the chance to do it again I totally would." Making it all the way to top five on Project Runway, Laura Kathleen definitely made an impression on the show and gained an abundance of fashion fans, like us!

Q.So tell us, how long have you been into fashion? And when did you realize this is what you wanted to do with your life?

A. This fashion connoisseur knew she wanted to be in fashion since she could first remember."I remember career day in Kindergarten. I dressed up like a fashion designer/model, my mom thought I was crazy." Laura told GFW that ever since her mom let her start playing with sharp things at the age of 8, and bought Laura her first sewing machine; it was game over from that point on. "Being 5'1" the whole model thing wasn't going to work," she said. "I was fascinated by the whole designer industry, and started making clothes for my stuffed animals."

A fun fact many people don't know about Laura Kathleen, is that she admitted to being the biggest tomboy growing up. Who would have known? She confessed her mom would truck her around for soccer practice, and remembers playing on the playground with her guy friends on the playground because she didn't have many girlfriends from being so involved in sports. She even played flag football as an extra curricular in college!

Q. Can you tell us a little about your line "Laura Kathleen" and what Gainesville can expect for this year's fashion week.

A. "Laura Kathleen is a mix between Bohemian and French styles." She explained, think Moulin Rouge, but not the actual style more so the design of textiles and classiness. Laura gave us an insider detail that Gainesville will be the first to see some of her latest designs for her spring collection besides the buyers, and how excited she was for that! Eeekkk only two more weeks!

Q. Who is wearing Laura Kathleen?

A. "My line definitely caters to the one percent," Laura said. The one percent she explained was defined during our interview as reaching a wide range of ages but catering to those that are willing to pay the price for the quality. "We are constantly playing with our price points because we want everyone to be able to own a piece of Laura Kathleen," Laura eagerly said. Something that she takes a lot of pride on is that all of her pieces are manufactured here in the U.S. Laura explained that her pieces are very fashion forward and that there is something for everyone to wear. Her organic fabrics are very youthful and her bold unique prints are for those fashion connoisseurs that are not shy!

Q. In your fashion eye, what do you think will be this spring's next new trend?

A. "I love love love huge flowing fabric gowns," Laura said. "I encourage girls not to wear more skin but to wear something flowy and classy and more rined." Laura knows how to keep it classy!

Q. Any advice you can give to aspiring fashion designers?

A. "Know your craft, it's really important to know how clothing is constructed, a formal education is something you can obtain and is important," she said. "My second best advice, never look at somebody that’s giving you a critique as someone who is trying to hurt you." Laura also suggested seeking an apprenticeship and having someone let you work for him or her for free to learn as much as possible.

Q. And lastly, we're dying to know! What does Laura Kathleen plan on wearing to GFW 2012?

A. "I am definitely going to be wearing something ridiculously flowy," she said. "I love the 70's, jumpsuits and warm weather." This fashion super-star told GFW that will be accessorizing her outfit for GFW with her new line of jewelry, Love Armour.

Laura Kathleen Planck graduated from the Western Kentucky University and majored in design, merchandising and textiles. She also had the chance to study fashion design in Accademia Italiana in Florence Italy as well as obtaining a fashion internship in New York. Upon graduation, she accepted a job with Target overseeing stores in the Nashville area. She knew that wasn't her passion and decided to go for dream and began Laura Kathleen at the age of 23. During her time on Project Runway, she was judged by some of the fashion industry's biggest names: fashion designer Michael Kors, fashion model Heidi Klum, fashion director Marie Claire, and fashion Columbian columnist and critic Nina Garcia who had held the post for fashion director for top magazines Marie Claire and Elle.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Grooveshark is officially a media sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! It seems like such an obvious pairing: music and fashion shows. Who would have thought?

Grooveshark is an online music streaming company that allows its users to upload music, discover new tunes and create and save playlists featuring songs from all of their favorite artists. And guess what? You can have it all for free! Launched right here in Gainesville in 2007, Grooveshark currently has over 35 million registered users and is growing fast. With a song catalog of millions of song, you are bound to find something to spark your interests.

As of late, Grooveshark has also become more socially integrated, allowing users to comment on individual songs, share songs they are listening to on their Facebook and Twitter pages, and subscribe to playlists that others have created.

For more information from the sharks, find them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @Grooveshark, or sign up for a free account and start grooving today!

We are excited to announce yet another sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week! Returning for another year, Monster Energy Drinks is back to keep us all from going a little bit crazy, while keeping us pumped up all week long.

Monster is different from many of its competing drink companies in that it doesn’t advertise through typical channels. They prefer to support bands, athletes and fans through concert tours, parties and other wild events, instead of making commercials and billboards. If they can dream it, they’ll do it.

They also like to give stuff away that fits with their target group of adventure-seeking athletes and musicians who are living their lives in style, one day at a time. Promos include things like dirt bikes and snowboards, and even trips to hang out with top athletes and musicians. Monster features personalities like Snoop Dogg, Rob Dyrdek, Wee Man and T.J. Lavin, but the list goes on.

At Monster, people live their lives on the edge by partying hard, listening to punk rock music and being involved in intense action sports. Monster is a lifestyle in a can.

For more info about Monster and the crazy wild lifestyle it promotes, check out their Facebook or follow them on Twitter @MonsterEnergy, or visit their website, www.monsterenergy.com.

We all have to eat, even our super fit models! Good thing we have Moe’s Southwest Grill sponsoring us!

There’s nothing better than their quick and friendly service greeting you from the second you walk in... “Welcome to Moe’s!” If you’ve yet to go to Moe’s, we suggest starting with a burrito, they’re delicious! Grab some queso or guac for your chips and your well on your play to being a Moe’s Pro.

We have 4 Moe’s locations in Gainesville, so no matter where you are in town there’s one nearby! There’s one on the University of Florida campus in Rec Center Dining. The other locations are:

Our tummies are a whole lot happier because of this sponsor...the Flying Biscuit Cafe.

If you haven’t tried their grits, you haven’t lived. Oh, and their award-winning biscuits, too. Not to mention their omelets are divine! Whether you’re vegan or a meat-lover, going for breakfast or brunch the Flying Biscuit Cafe will warm your heart with southern hospitality and fill your tummy with the yummiest food around.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe is located at 4150 NW 16th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606 and their phone number is (352) 373-9500. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Monday, March 26, 2012

The Gainesville Fashion Week Team is excited to announce that Macy’s is an official sponsor of this year’s events!

Macy’s is a mid to high-range department store chain that has about 800 stores open in the United States. Stores sell almost anything you could ever think of needing, including clothing for men, women, teens and children, household items, shoes and accessories, fragrances and jewelry.

With a pairing like this, the GFW runways are bound to be overflowing with stylish and accessorized models galore.

Study Edge. We all know who they are and what they do, but now they have teamed up as an official sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! Who knew studying and fashion could make the perfect match?

If you haven’t already heard about them, Study Edge is a company that provides study sessions and review materials for many undergraduate classes here at UF. Study Edge is up to date with current technology and offers all of its study sessions either in person with a highly-trained study expert, or on video, which can be accessed through a Facebook Application. In addition to exam review sessions, Study Edge also offers weekly review sessions as well as study hours. Study hours let you get help, whether in person or through Facebook, on any questions you may have regarding practice problems or other study materials.

Over 30,000 college students have already put their grade in the hands of the study experts at Study Edge. Isn’t it about time you did too?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Tony Feria, 23, owner of Zombie Vinyls, met up with us for an exclusive interview just a few weeks before his second appearance for Gainesville Fashion Week 2012. Inspired by music, Zombie Vinyls does what no other form of art has done: "Brings dead music back to life." Here's a little of what he had to say about his artwork, inspirations and GFW2012!

Q. How would you describe your art to someone that hasn't seen it before?

A. Tony explained his work to us in full detail. The color schemes for most of his work are based on various patterns, neons and designs . "Basically if you can think of mixing art and music together and featuring an artist's logo on a large vinyl that pretty much sums up my work."

Q. What inspires your creativity behind your designs? Was their a certain scenario in your life that made you get into your art?

A. Tony's inspiration for Zombie Vinyls was a duo-idea between him and his friend. They thought of an idea of mixing spray paint, vinyls and music. The first vinyl they created was a John Lennon. After realizing the potential to finetune their craft; they started to receive recognition from their friends, and before they knew it, Tony was on his way to start selling merchandise on tour with Identity.

Q. How long have your been doing art?

A. He explained that his favorite part of art of taking a creative thought and making it into something tangible. "I've been drawing all of my life and i've always liked art," Tony said. "I think its great how someone can think of something organically and make it into something tangible and be holding it later, absolutely mind-blowing."

Q. When did you begin your company, Zombie Vinyls?

A. According to Tony, Zombie Vinyls has been around now for 2 to 3 years and has slowly evolved a lot since its inception. He hopes to continue on the venture with his company and move out to the west coast upon graduating from the University of Florida this spring.

Q. What got you interested in the idea of art on vinyls?

A. "Because it captures what the art is really about, music," he said. Tony used this metaphor during his interview that brought out his hometown of Miami some love. "Its like painting Lebron James on a canvas or basketball, it just makes sense."

Q. What are you looking forward to the most this year for GFW 2012's art show?

A. "I'm excited to see all of the different artist this year has to offer." "But honestly, what I look forward to the most is going to support one of my best friends Co Producers, Kristi Desoiza." -- Sweet guy and artist isn't he?

Q. Any advice you want to share with young aspiring artist?

A. "The difference between someone who has ideas and one that doesn't is one who actually puts them into action and make it tangible," he said. "Think less, GO DO!"

Be sure to check out Tony and Zombie Vinyl's at Gainesville Fashion Week 2012, Wednesday April 11. Buy your tickets now! And pre-order your very custom own Zombie Vinyl here!!